TAX DEPARTMENT EXTENDS HOURS ON APRIL 15

BISMARCK, N.D. – With the April 15 income tax filing deadline just around the corner, Tax Commissioner Cory Fong announced that the North Dakota Tax Department will be open on Tuesday, April 15, until 9:00 p.m. CDT to help North Dakotans prepare their state tax returns.

The Tax Department will extend its usual business hours on Tuesday, April 15, until 9:00 p.m. to accommodate taxpayers who plan to drop off their return in person and for those who may have last minute questions.

Fong said, “By extending the hours, taxpayers will be able to reach Department employees to get answers to their last-minute questions.”

Tax filers may get help with their state income tax return in person by going to the State Tax Department’s office on the 16th floor in the Capitol. On Tuesday, April 15, the north door of the Capitol will be open from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Tax filers will need to have a copy of their federal tax return, W-2s, and 1099s with them.

The Tax Department encourages taxpayers to be sure the return they file is complete and accurate.

“If you don’t think you will be able to get your return completed and filed by the April 15 due date, we suggest you file an extension rather than filing an incomplete return,” said Fong.

Individuals may request an extension by filing the federal IRS Form 4868 - Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File. Filing the IRS Form 4868 gives taxpayers until October 15, 2008, to file their individual tax return. Taxpayers need to file the federal Form 4868 with the IRS by April 15, 2008. Taxpayers who obtain a federal extension will receive an automatic extension of time to file their North Dakota return.

Taxpayers need to include a payment of the anticipated taxes due. Form 4868 is available on the IRS web site at www.irs.gov/tax or by calling 800.829.1040 to have forms mailed.

Fong said, “Filing Form 4868 gives taxpayers an extension of time to file, it is not an extension of time to pay if they owe tax.”

Taxpayers who have filed can check the status of their state refund, by visiting the Tax Department’s web site at www.irs.gov/tax. The online service provides individuals a way to find out if their return has been received, processed, or if the refund has been issued.

Fong suggests taxpayers visit the state web site at www.irs.gov/tax for more tax information. Taxpayers who need help with their state tax return may call 800.638.2901 statewide or 701.328.3450 in the Bismarck-Mandan area. The Tax Department has a special phone number dedicated specifically for callers who have questions about the new property tax relief income tax credit. Property owners with questions about the credit should call 701.328.2760. Taxpayers may also get assistance in person at the Tax Department from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.